virgo's review of Thomson Destiny, Coral Islands and Caribbean gems

Bad Points
Smoking policy. Even though the ship not in the uk, licensed in Cyprus. They say its because they are a uk company. But the ship is a floating hotel. Does that mean if they send you to a land based hotel, because they are a UK company you cant smoke in a hotel bar. They always provided 1 bar in doors for smokers, now they don't. Bye bye Thomson. We were a party of 10, with 9 smokers doing the tropical transatlantic. Thats 6 days at sea with not so good weather felt like a prison ship smoking outside in wind and rain. We left Uk to escape that.

General CommentsTropical Atlantic cruise on the destiny. First time on this ship. Maybe their biggest, but no where near as nice as the celebration. Staff are much better on the celebration. some on the destiny never smiled. Cabins are small, storage is useless, no where to hang a dress neatly. Thomson have always provided one smoking bar. Now only outside smoking is allowed. The outdoor bar shut at 4pm while we were at sea 6 days. Bad weather and wind made getting a smoke a Artic affair. Once in Carribean it shut at 10pm, so smokers not really catered for. Those of you who are used to their all inclusive package will be surprised to see many of the usual included drinks are now on a extra surcharge. eg baileys, bells, martell ect no longer free and many more. Travelled on the other ships but not be returning to the destiny again. Not as good as the others for service from staff or food. Found some waitresses and waiters lazy although not all. Not as clean as the celebration. Will not cruise with Thomson again due to their smoking policy.

Food - quality & variety

Entertainment on board

Value For Money

428899_Paulbratt's Response to virgo's Review

Written on: 01/01/2009

I found this review helpful because.. i am a non smoker and it pleases me to see that thompson are taking a positive stance. i am looking to book a caribean cruise feb 2010 for 9 people ALL NON SMOKERS so this review although it appears negative is quite positive to myself

439179_Dianne48's Response to virgo's Review

Written on: 08/02/2009

I have booked a Caribbean cruise on the destiny next Feb and how pleased i am they have same no smoking policy. It may seem a bit unfair for the smokers not having a designated place inside to smoke. Well done Thompson

Ballen's Response to virgo's Review

Written on: 06/02/2009

We have booked for the Destiny in March for my birthday so pleased it is no smoking. Went on Spirit last year and found bars awful with the smoke and did not enjoy what was on offer. I have just come back from Dusseldorf where there is smoking in bars still and now have chest infection and bad throat every night from the smoke. There should be a covered area for smokers though as it cannot be pleasant puffing against the wind!